The trial for a man accused in an Osceola County murder began Monday afternoon at the Osceola County Courthouse.

David Damus was charged with breaking into Eric Roopnarine’s home in 2013 and stealing $300 before shooting him in the face with a rifle, deputies said. Roopnarine’s throat was also slashed in the killing.

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The trial was set to begin Monday morning, but was delayed when the defense asked for more time due to a new witness.

According to Damus’ lawyer, Augustus Invictus, the new witness is an inmate who was housed across from Damus’ co-defendant, Juan Sebastian Muriel, in jail. The witness said Muriel told him Damus is not responsible.

Invictus filed a motion Monday morning to delay his client’s trial.

The state argued the new witness had credibility problems because he'd been jailed with both Damus and Muriel and might be trying to help free Damus.

Judge Jon B. Morgan said there was no need to delay the trial, and instead, both Muriel and the new witness will be transported to the courthouse for new depositions. The trial resumed with jury selection at 1:30 p.m.

Muriel previously took a plea deal and will serve 10 years in prison for his role in the death of Roopnarine. Muriel was driving the getaway car when prosecutors said Damus and his alleged accomplice, Konrad Schafer, robbed and killed the victim.

According to authorities, Damus’ girlfriend, Victoria Rios, allegedly lured Roopnarine to his Poinciana home, promising him sex for money.

Investigators said Damus broke in, stole $300 and shot Roopnarine in the face.

The families of both the victim and the accused said they're prepared to endure the grizzly testimony and evidence that will be exposed in court.

“Very hard. To go back and forth and to see the people that killed, you know that did it, that killed your son, and have to look at them is very hard for us,” said Roopnarine’s father, Pooran Roopnarine.

“We have not had him for two years, and we love him, and we want him to come out, and we know that he is innocent,” said Damus’ mother, Choisette Damus.